David Butler II-USA Today Sports
To return or not to return — that is the question.
Or at least that’s the way it appears at the moment for the Boston Celtics and head coach Doc Rivers. Over the weekend, Rivers finally spoke to the media, claiming he needed to “detox” following another long and grueling season in Boston. The Celtics earned the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs this year, but failed to advance past the opening round. The mid-season injury to star point guard Rajon Rondo played a major role in the team’s lack of expectations and now an off-season of uncertainty remains in focus.
Rivers would not address any questions regarding his future, although he has reportedly remained involved to the fullest extent since the Celtics’ season concluded. Rivers, who still has three years remaining on his contract with Boston, could still possibly be considering stepping down. Then again, he has contemplated that in the past, as well.
Boston is not only awaiting any sort of formal word from Rivers, but they are also awaiting the domino effect decision from veteran forward Kevin Garnett. Many reports indicate that Garnett could very well be the tipping point for this Boston off-season. The team will also have to make a decision regarding Paul Pierce and some of this action could very well be coming either prior to or during this June’s NBA Draft. The Celtics currently own the No. 16 overall pick in this year’s field.
It’s still a wait and see process at this moment — this from both a coaching and player personnel standpoint.
Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
